South Coast Railroad Museum

Rating: A+ for HO scale trains, a real red caboose to go in, and trains you can sit on top of and ride.Ages: 34” and taller can ride the train; any age!Directions: Take 101 North about 10 minutes to
Los Carneros Road, turn toward mountains at
signal light, then go right at the Fire Station
which is across the street from “Goleta Train
Depot” at 300 North Los Carneros Road.Contact: 964-3540 or www.goletadepot.orgSeason: The museum is open 1 p.m.-4 p.m.Wednesdays
through Sundays.The train (for people 34” and taller)
runs Wednesday and Friday 2 p.m.-3:45 p.m. and
Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Better known as Goleta Train Depot, the museum is overshadowed by the train rides and the indoor train track with tiny trains that run over trestles designed after local ones. Check out the baggage carts. Go in the caboose and imagine what the old days were like. The closer to 34” you are, the more you will like the ride-on-top train. But it’s strong enough to take adults as well. Occasionally handcar rides are available on a standard size track for larger children and adults. There is no charge for admission to the museum but there is a nominal charge for train rides. Thanks to community businesses and organizations, train rides are free some days throughout the year.